Title: Identify the signs and symptoms of respiratory distress.
Course: Respiratory Therapy II (14061-II) > Section: Examining Professional Standards for Patient Care

Identification should include

- increased work of breathing
- the use of accessory muscles
- nasal flaring
- altered mental status
- diaphoresis
- abnormal breathing patterns
- respiratory rate
- apnea
- noisy breathing (e.g., stridor, grunting)
- agitation
- prolonged exhalation
- pursed-lip breathing.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the components of an initial assessment for a patient in respiratory distress?
- What is the effect of purse-lipped breathing in respiration?
- What is stridor? When is it heard?